Kirchhoff prestack migration using the suppressed wave equation estimation of traveltime (SWEET) algorithm in VTI media

• Published in: Exploration geophysics (Melbourne) Vol. 46; no. 4; pp. 342 - 348
• Main Authors: Bae, Ho Seuk, Chung, Wookeen, Ha, Jiho, Shin, Changsoo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01.12.2015
• Subjects: Kirchhoff migration; pseudo-acoustic wave equation; SWEET; VTI
• ISSN: 0812-3985; 1834-7533
• DOI: 10.1071/EG14112

This paper examines anisotropic prestack Kirchhoff migration. We used pseudo-acoustic wave equations in the complex frequency domain to describe the wave propagation in a vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) medium. Both amplitudes and traveltimes were calculated efficiently using the suppressed wave equation estimation of traveltime (SWEET) algorithm. The accuracy of the traveltimes obtained with the SWEET algorithm was verified by comparing the traveltime contours simulated with the anisotropic elastic wave equation using a staggered-grid method. Finally, we tested our migration algorithm using the two-dimensional HESS VTI model. We correctly imaged the shape of both the salt and background layer structures. We also reduced the numerical artefacts compared to the isotropic technique. This paper examines anisotropic prestack Kirchhoff migration using the pseudo-acoustic wave equation in a vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) medium. Both amplitudes and traveltimes were calculated efficiently for migration using the suppressed wave equation estimation of traveltime (SWEET) algorithm.